I Am Not The Center Of The Universe...

Uhhh.... So why do I act like I am most of the time?? The older I get it seems I am more self aware. Now that is not to say I am successful at making changes to the not-so-good stuff I am aware of about myself.

Lately, I have been reflecting quite a bit on my life these past few years. It's funny I never really believed I was self-centered or selfish. But I don't know that I ever really gave it much thought... maybe in passing. Now, I am seeing more and more just how guilty I am though. I mean, always thinking about my own little corner of the world, mostly focusing on what I need, want, etc. Not really taking part in anything that focuses on others or other needs. It really bothers me now just how much of this attitude I see in the reflection staring back at me.

During the daily grind I think we lose sight of things like this in ourselves. As a society, we're so focused on material possessions, success, personal accomplisments, our own relationships and packing in as much as we can in every second that we forget we were really created for something WAY beyond ourselves and our little pieces of the universe.

If we are Christians especially, we have a purpose and responsibility that goes so far beyond our own wants, needs and desires. We are to be becoming more like Jesus and growing in our relationship with Him. To me, a part of this purpose and responsibility means we should be looking outside our circle to what is needed in our communities and the world. No, we all can't be world or life changers but we can make small differences that to some seem like life changers.

We can sit with the little old lady in the nursing home with no family or anyone to visit. We can smile and speak to the sad or worried face in the banks, malls, check out lines and doorways that we have the opportunity to see every day. We can give to families in need. We can spend quality time with a child. We can write an encouraging word to someone, family, friend or acquaintance. So many little things we could do somehow, some way every day that would help and/or train us to take the focus off of ourselves and tune in to others.

Of course, I am saying all this to myself most of all because I have truly lost sight of it all. I still have moments I grab hold of it and make a small difference, but for me it should be foremost in daily life to truly be satisfied and content.

So, if you are stopping by today and you have any good ideas or suggestions or advice on overcoming self-centeredness or any suggestions on those little random acts that could make a difference, I would really love to hear what you think.

Thanks again for visiting and come back soon!

Gustav

Howdy! I added a gadget over to the side here regarding hurricane Gustav. So, if you are visiting and wonder in the back of your mind what's going on with this bad boy, just click around on the Accuweather gadget and you should be able to find out anything you need to know.

Thanks for stopping by!

Precious!

In case you missed it or haven't been watching America's Got Talent... this has GOT to be the most precious child I have ever seen! She makes me smile and get all teary eyed! Please follow the link to watch her and SMILE... you won't be able to help it!

Kaitlyn Maher

Prodigal Lessons

One of my favorite passages of scripture has always been the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15. It touched me deeply the first time I read it and still does to this day in many, many ways. So many times in life I've felt just like the wayward son in the story. Well, it hasn't been just "feeling" but truth!!! There is such a wonderful, amazing message in the story... lessons and comfort as well. I once read a book called God of the Second Chance based on this passage of scripture and to this day is one of the very best books I've ever read.

Today, one of the articles I read was about this same scriptural story but from the perspective of parents. I am not a parent myself but I still gleaned a great deal from the article.

Whether or not you have children, take a minute to read the article if you get a chance. You can get to it from here.

Let me know what you think about the story of the Prodigal Son and/or the article! I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Thanks for stopping by! Come back soon!

How Do I Look?

How about this way cool design??? Props to my sister, a.k.a. Momma's Mind, a.k.a. Doodlebug Designs! Please take a look at her wonderful designs by following this link.

She is very talented! I am very proud of her! And super excited to have my very own customized space to scribble out my thoughts, etc.

Thanks, Judi! I am sending some beautiful love to you! :)

I hope you will visit often. Take a look around even if you don't have anything to say! My place displays some of my favorite rooms. In A Quiet Place you can link to some of my favorite devotional sites and/or materials. The Reading Room will have links to books on my reading list so you can check them out for yourself. And Blogs & Sites will be listing blogs and sites I try to check out every day in case you want to check them out too!

Come on in!

I'm Back!

Well, a blog revival of sorts. It's been almost 2 years since I have posted on my own blog. I am making a comeback! I hope you stop by often and enjoy your stay. More to come this evening!